Criminal Attorney in Nanticoke, PA Defending Clients in Luzerne County and Throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania
As soon as criminal charges are filed against you or a loved one, a dark cloud hangs over you unless you can clear those charges. A skilled Nanticoke criminal defense lawyer can help you fight for your rights and ensure the best outcome possible.
The truth is that even relatively minor misdemeanor charges can have a lifelong impact on the accused. Unfortunately, some people fall victim to the justice system because of poor representation and harsh laws. Data from the National Center for State Courts reveals that only two-thirds of jury trials for felonies end in acquittals, yet 59.9% of criminal cases in Luzerne County ended in a guilty verdict in 2019.
This tells us that with the right representation, more people may be acquitted. At Muckler Law, you have an experienced criminal attorney in Nanticoke, PA, who will fight for you to the utmost and help you through the whole process.
Why You Need a Nanticoke Criminal Defense Lawyer for Misdemeanor Charges
Few people realize this, but a criminal lawyer may be most useful when you’re fighting minor offenses even compared to major crimes. That’s because your lawyer can help you take advantage of pre-trial diversion programs to minimize penalties and even avoid jail altogether in cases involving non-violent offenses.
In particular, Pennsylvania has programs designed to help qualified first-time offenders avoid criminal convictions and have their records expunged. One example is the ARD program which helps first-time offenders make a fresh start in life with possible dismissal of charges.
Another example is the Accelerated Misdemeanor Program (AMP) for some misdemeanor charges. This program allows accused persons to avoid conviction and possibly have the record expunged upon satisfying conditions, such as drug treatment or community service.
A Nanticoke criminal defense lawyer experienced in such programs can be invaluable in helping you not only fight criminal charges but also get your life back. Whether you’re a first-time offender or are facing 2nd-degree and 1st-degree misdemeanor charges, talk to an expert criminal lawyer at Muckler Law for help.
Criminal Attorney in Nanticoke, PA, Fighting Felony Charges in Luzerne County and Throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania
Being charged with serious crimes, such as 1st and 2nd-degree felonies, is a scary experience due to the severe penalties involved. Sometimes, non-violent crimes such as successive DUIs or theft of goods worth $2,000 or more also become a felony carrying a heavy penalty, including up to 5 years of jail time and heavy fines involved.
When you’re facing felony charges in Nanticoke, you must consult a skilled criminal defense attorney who can help you fight for your rights. No matter how severe the charge is, you have a right to defend yourself and get the best possible legal representation.
The prosecution must meet the burden of proof in criminal cases “beyond reasonable doubt,” which is a very high mark. An expert lawyer crafts a strong defense strategy that can help you reduce the final penalty or even get the case dismissed. Sometimes, a plea bargain may be negotiated for favorable terms.
Types of Felonies and Penalties
Criminal cases generally involve offenses against laws established by the Commonwealth, i.e., the government. They vary in severity from 3rd-degree felonies to 1st-degree felonies and carry appropriate penalties for each level.
- Felony murder: murder in the first degree carries a possible life sentence or death sentence, murder in the second degree or murder of an unborn child carries a life sentence, while murder in the third degree carries up to 40 years
- First-degree felony: includes charges such as rape, kidnapping, arson, and theft of property worth $500,000 or more, and carries a sentence of up to 20 years and fines
- Second-degree felony: includes cases such as sexual assault, burglary, aggravated assault, and theft of property between $100,000 and $500,00, carrying a sentence of 5–10 years and fines of up to $25,000
- Third-degree felonies: sentence varies from 3.5 to 7 years and fines of up to $15,000 for crimes such as possession of drugs with intent to distribute, possession of child pornography, bribery, gun crimes, and theft of property worth between $2,000 and $100,000
Felonies also carry other penalties such as revocation of a driving license, inability to vote, inability to legally own a firearm, and inability to get government benefits. However, the trial process gives you the chance to fight the charges at every point, which is why having a top-rated lawyer is so important.
Bench Trial vs. Jury Trial in Nanticoke
Pennsylvania law is unique because it may allow accused persons to choose between a bench or jury trial. If you qualify to request a jury trial, you have the advantage of being tried by your peers who may be more sympathetic than a judge.
An experienced Nanticoke criminal defense lawyer can help you weigh the pros and cons of bench and jury trials for the best results. The law also requires a preliminary hearing before trial, which presents a valuable opportunity for a skilled lawyer to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case that can later help in your defense.
Contact a Trusted Nanticoke Criminal Defense Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today
No matter what criminal charges you’re facing in Nanticoke or the surrounding areas, an experienced Nanticoke criminal defense lawyer is your best bet if you want to get the best possible outcome. Only a qualified attorney can help you take advantage of nuances in the law and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case to fight for acquittal or minimum sentencing.
Criminal lawyers are required by law to represent clients to the best of their ability, but some simply go through the motions. It’s important to fight a defense lawyer who works hard to research your case, collect evidence, and communicate often with you to create a strong defense strategy.
Matthew T. Muckler of Muckler Law, LLC is renowned for his dedication and skill in handling criminal cases in Nanticoke and throughout Northern Pennsylvania. For a criminal lawyer who will fight for you, contact Muckler Law, LLC today and get your free consultation.
